Retired Archbishop of Toronto, Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic, dead at 81
Posted August 27, 2011 1:34 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic, the retired Archbishop of Toronto, has died at the age of 81, the Archdiocese of Toronto says.
Ambrozic was a priest for 56 years, bishop for 35 years and served as Archbishop of Toronto from 1990 to 2006.
In January 1998, former pope John Paul nominated him as Cardinal, which allowed him to take part in the conclave of 2005 that elected Pope Benedict.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Ambrozic’s death.
“He will always be remembered for the knowledgeable, wise, and loving leader he was,” Harper said.
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said Ambrozic, an immigrant himself, helped many new Canadians feel welcome in Ontario through his work in the church.
“I had the honour of meeting Cardinal Ambrozic on a number of occasions, and will remember his grace and commitment to his faith,” said McGuinty.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford called Ambrozic dedicated, caring, and compassionate.
“On behalf of Toronto city council and Toronto’s residents I wish to express my deepest sympathy,” Ford said.
Ambrozic died earlier Friday after a lengthy illness. His funeral mass will take place at St. Michael’s Cathedral, the mother church of the archdiocese.
